This story is featured in the January/February 2025 issue of ESSENCE, on newsstands now.
Fueled by love, marriage and an appreciation for stunning aesthetics, Robin and Regina Reaves, of R&R Interior Design 365, have committed themselves to inspiring others—through creating intricate masterpieces for their clients to live and thrive in.
Before founding their company and gaining more than a decade of experience, they were college sweethearts who worked in a home decor store. Now they are seasoned interior design professionals. “We tend to lean on each other’s strengths,” says Robin. “Regina is more detailed, with an eye focused on textures, quality and patterns.” Meanwhile, he brings an imaginative but cohesive vision to decorating homes. “Robin is more artistic and adventurous, and obsessed with curating functional floor plans that maximize space,” Regina explains.
When asked about trends for 2025, they say it’s all about color. According to the Reaveses, deep, moody shades are back in full effect. “No more black and white homes that only showcase neutrals,” Robin says. “Using color in distinctive ways to enhance the space is much desired. Painting ceilings, doors and baseboards, to extend the space without interruptions, is now required.” He also highlights the power of unconventional furnishings. “Furniture that has some curvature helps to accentuate the design and create unique spaces that are not just confined to squares and rectangles,” he says.
For those looking to spruce up their home for the new year, the Reaveses say small but effective changes can make your space pop. Whether it is incorporating quality decor via textures and patterns or reimagining floor plans, the key to a simple home refresh is the materials you use to style your rooms and the accents you choose. The two were generous enough to share some of their favorite Black-owned decor items, to offer an idea of how to begin. These touches—which include a luxuriously scented and designed candle, bold wallpaper and colorful art pieces sure to be conversation starters—will give you a fresh place to start.
The Reaveses love the company Mitchell Black for its funky yet sophisticated approach to wall coverings. “Nothing sets the ambiance for your home like their bespoke wallpaper,” Regina says. This stunning Nomalanga design—from Monet Masters and Tavia Forbes of nationally acclaimed Atlanta-based Forbes + Masters design studio—won’t disappoint.
Available at Mitchell Black
“Embrace color in your home,” Regina says of Oyinbo’s artwork. “This piece is bright and vibrant—and perfect to usher in a new year! On the wall of a dining room where you’re hosting a New Year’s brunch or dinner, it is sure to catch the eyes of your friends and family. To take it a step further, paint your walls a moody eggplant so the art really stands out.”
Available at UzoArt
“It’s a handmade, beautiful piece, to give the perfect accent to coffee tables or stacked books,” Robin says. You can also hang the decorative piece, if it fits the aesthetic in your place.
Available at Effortless Composition
“This bedding is phenomenal,” says Regina of the luxurious linens, which can fit full-size beds and massive California kings. “It’s incredibly soft and infused with eucalyptus. There’s nothing like breathable, cooling sheets that maximize your comfort.”
Available at Bleu & Blanco
“Capture the luxurious scent of Harlem at a time when jazz was the way of life,” Robin says of this candle, which has fragrant notes of cardamom, plum blossom, bourbon, and more.
Available at Harlem Candle Co.